Data Security
It is the protection of digital information from unauthorized access. It covers everything hardware, software, storage devices, and user devices. An example of data security would be using encryption to prevent hackers from using your data if it is breached.
There are a number of tools available to help organizations protect their data. Some of the best tools include;
GFI Exinder
A firewall is a security device that acts as a gatekeeper between a private network and the internet, monitoring and controlling network traffic based on predefined security rules to protect against unauthorized access and threats.
Antivirus Software
It can help to protect against malwares such as viruses, trojans and worms. It should be installed in ones computer and kept current on all servers and workstations. In addition to active monitoring of incoming files, scans should be processed.
Practises For Firewall Management
Intrusion Detection system (IDS)
Is a monitoring system that detects suspicious activities and generates alerts when they are detected to the user.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
It is a software that detects potential data breaches. The three types of data prevention are;
It helps support compliance and reduce risks of data loss by monitoring and controlling the flow of sensitive data via network. They inspect all network traffic then enforce policies to ensure protection. Policy actions include; allow, prompt, block, encrypt, reroute and quarantine.
It enables you audit and manage the following types of activities users take on sensitive items that are physically stored in windows 10, windows 11 devices. Detects when a user attempts to upload an item to a restricted service domain and the user is redirected to use microsoft edge then allow or block the upload (phones, laptops and other devices using data).
It is a fully managed service designed to discover, classify and protect your sensitive data where it resides from data bases, text based content, images. It helps provide visibility and classify your sensitive data across the entire organization.
Data Backup
It is a copy of computer data taken nd stored else where so that it may be used to restore the original after a data loss. It can be stored in external hard drives and there are two types of external drives you can buy; HDDs(hard disk drivers), or SSDs(solid state drivers), USB flash drive, NAS(network attached storage).
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
It is a network security tool which can be a hardware device or software that monitors a network for malicious activity and takes action to prevent it by reporting, blocking or dropping it when it occurs. It is more advanced than the (IDS) because it takes action of the disruption beyond alerting the administrator. They are sometimes included as part of a next generation firewall (NGFW).
Why is data security important?
There are a number of reasons why data security is important and some of them include;
- It helps to protect sensitive data such as customers data, financial data and intellectual property.
- It helps many company's to comply to rules and regulations that govern data security.
- It helps to prevent data breaches that can lead to financial losses such as the cost of investigating the breach, repairing the damage, and compensating victims.
- It helps to protect the reputation of an organization making it more difficult to attract customers and partners.
- It helps an organization in providing an edge against the competition from the prying eyes of hackers and stay ahead of the competition curve, if leaked can slow down development.
There are some tips of improving data security and they include
Use strong passwords
Passwords should be atleast 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Change passwords regularly
Passwords should be changed atleast after every 90 days.
Dont share passwords
Passwords should never be passed out or shared.
Keep your software up-to-date
Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your computer from malware and other risks.
Be aware of risks
You should know the type of data security threats and assess on the way of protecting your system.